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Cyber Interference: UK Democracy
07 December 2023
Lead MP
Leo Docherty
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyDemocracy & ElectionsScience & Technology
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Leo Docherty raised concerns about cyber interference: uk democracy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The UK Government has confirmed that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), particularly its Centre 18 unit and Star Blizzard group, is behind cyber interference targeting British democracy. The FSB targets parliamentarians, civil servants, journalists, NGOs, and other public figures to interfere in political processes and spread disinformation. Examples include the hacking of the Institute for Statecraft and personal accounts of public-facing individuals. The Government will continue exposing such activities and has designated two individuals under cyber sanctions, summoning the Russian ambassador to convey consequences. A technical advisory was published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to guide at-risk organisations. To bolster resilience, a defending democracy taskforce is in place, focusing on protecting political processes from adversarial actions.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Is the Minister confident that they have uncovered the full extent of the cyber-attack, and what specific actions are being taken to respond to the attacks on parliamentarians?
Minister reply
The Government is committed to uncovering the full extent of the cyber threats. Specific responses include designating individuals under sanctions and providing technical advisories through NCSC.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
What additional steps are being taken ahead of the general election to protect democratic processes, including training Members and staff?
Minister reply
The Government is enhancing cyber-security offers through NCSC and parliamentary authorities. Training and support for identifying threats are provided to ensure digital communications protection.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Will the Government establish a Democratic Resilience Centre, create a joint Home Office/Foreign Office cell, amend terror legislation to ban hostile state-sponsored organisations, and regulate AI companies?
Minister reply
The minister did not commit explicitly but highlighted ongoing efforts through NCSC, defending democracy taskforce, and inter-departmental collaboration.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Questions the full extent of uncovered cyber-attack and asks for specific actions taken against it. Asks about steps to ensure democratic integrity ahead of general elections, mentioning training, equipment, support, and protection measures.
Minister reply
Minister expresses high confidence in uncovering the incident but emphasises continued vigilance. Specific preventive measures are in place through NCSC and House authorities. Minister highlights collective deterrent actions such as naming and shaming, diplomatic efforts, and personal cyber-security measures.
Question
Asks for an update on Government actions in response to recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee's reports on Russia and China.
Minister reply
Minister acknowledges the importance of domestic legislation to prevent countries with malign intent from influencing democratic discourse, drawing a comparison between Russian and Chinese activities.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Questions if mandatory cyber-security training for all MPs and staff is considered. Also inquires about proactive measures to defend the integrity of upcoming elections.
Minister reply
Minister appreciates the suggestion but does not advocate for mandatory training, instead highlighting enhanced offers from House authorities to ensure improved cyber-security practices among MPs and staff.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Welcomed the Minister's update on hostile emails and expressed concern over their impact on democracy, urging for a thorough investigation.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issue of convincing phishing emails and highlighted that staff should seek guidance from House authorities to improve security.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Commended the Minister's contribution but questioned if the response of sanctioning two individuals was sufficient, asking for more coordination across western democracies.
Minister reply
Stressed that although only two individuals were sanctioned, there is a significant institutional effort in collaboration with Five Eyes partners and enhanced resilience measures.
Question
Expressed gratitude for the work done to increase awareness but questioned what protections would be offered to those outside Parliament who are also at risk.
Minister reply
Replied that guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre is available for businesses, especially those involved in critical national infrastructure.
Question
Asked about specific actions taken and resources allocated to intelligence services to combat cyber threats.
Minister reply
Confirmed that legislation has been enacted to prevent foreign malign investment in critical infrastructure, with divestment measures already implemented.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Asked about conversations with the Electoral Commission regarding election security and plans for a whole-of-society approach.
Minister reply
Reiterated that there is constant vigilance, preventive work being carried out by the Defending Democracy Taskforce under the Security Minister.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Question
Pressed for the Government to consider Labour's proposal of establishing a democratic resilience centre.
Minister reply
Noted that similar work is already in place through the Defending Democracy Taskforce and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Question
Asked for additional support offered to new Members on cyber-security, noting current induction processes are lacking.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the need for an improved offer and highlighted that House authorities are working to enhance cyber-hygiene practices.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Asked if the Government is prepared to act on reported threats and how they can demonstrate readiness in facing cyber-threats.
Minister reply
Emphasised that defensive cyber is an important part of national resilience, with significant work done but more still needed.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
The Labour party condemns the cyber-attack by Russia's intelligence services targeting Members of Parliament and other public figures. The shadow questions whether the full extent of attacks has been uncovered, calls for additional measures to protect democratic processes ahead of elections, and urges the Government to establish a Democratic Resilience Centre and improve inter-departmental collaboration against hostile state activities. Labour also proposes urgent regulation of AI companies and adequate resourcing for NCSC and intelligence agencies.
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